Drake Steps up and Offers an Apology for J. Cole’s Autism Lyric

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Drake apologizes to the autistic community? Hip Hop continues to be controversial and lead to boycotts and petitions. Drake and J. Cole have both come under fire for J. Cole’s insensitive lyric pertaining to autism in Drake’s “Jodeci Freestyle.” As a result of the offensive lyric, an online petition on Change.org was created, and the creator and supporters of the petition demanded an apology from the rappers and the removal of the lyric. J. Cole stepped up and offered an apology on his website in the form of a letter and it now appears Drake is following suit and offering his apologies as well. He also says the lyric will be removed from the song. The Young Money rapper writes on his website:

J.Cole wrote a beautiful and moving apology to individuals and families affected by autism who were understandably hurt by a verse in “Jodeci Freestyle”. I share responsibility and offer my sincerest apologies for the pain this has caused. Individuals with autism have brilliant and creative minds, and their gifts should not be disparaged or discounted. This was a learning lesson for both of us, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to try to right this wrong. J. Cole and I believe that it is the right, responsible, and respectful decision to remove the lyric from the song.

Drake’s decision to offer an apology so swiftly clearly contrasts his mentor’s Lil Wayne’s decision to not address the Emmett Till controversy until his sponsorship with Mountain Dew became a target by Till’s family members. Weezy eventually offered an apology during a recent concert and some seem to think it’s because the Trayvon Martin situation has caused him to see the errors in his ways.